A project in which doctors teach young criminals has been launched in three London boroughs. StreetDoctors is running first aid classes aimed at reducing deaths from violent attacks on the capital’s streets.

It comes in the wake of the fatal stabbing of Hani Abou El Kheir, 16, who was attacked by a gang armed with swords and knives in Lupus Street, Pimlico, on January 27. A 19-year-old man was charged this week with his murder.

StreetDoctors is working with youth offending teams in Newham, Westminster and Lambeth.

A total of 31 medics are involved in training young criminals whose histories include violence and weapon-related offences. They teach groups of between six and 12 such skills as how to recognise the symptoms of blood loss as well as how to manage a wound that has penetrated the body.

The project is backed by London Air Ambulance, the charity which runs London’s helicopter emergency medical service.

Figures reveal that 472 victims of stabbings and shootings were treated last year by the London Air Ambulance. They only attend the most critical cases so the actual number of seriously injured is likely to be higher.

Trauma wounds which penetrate the skin, including those inflicted by knives and guns, are the third highest cause of death among young people. Dr Nick Rhead, one of the founders of the project, which started in Merseyside, said teaching young offenders to stop blood loss could save lives.

He said: “Young people in general, and particularly those who are known to the criminal justice system, are witnessing more and more penetrating trauma. We therefore train these young people to deliver immediate care as they are all too often present at the scene of a violent attack — essentially providing a reservoir of potential health care providers.

“They are therefore able to act positively to help save a friend’s life in the moments that matter providing a healthier victim for services such as London’s Air Ambulance.”

Professor David Lockey, from LAA, said: “Knife and gun crime is high among the young population of London and our doctors and paramedics witness the negative effects of this daily. We’re delighted to collaborate with this innovative project run by committed and dynamic young medics.’